Fort de Dailly, Military fortress in canton Vaud, Switzerland
Fort de Dailly is an underground fortress in the mountains east of the Saint-Maurice valley with tunnels, artillery positions, and machinery rooms. The installation is built into the rock of Massif de Dailly and spreads across several levels of defense infrastructure.
Construction began in 1892, and after a serious ammunition explosion in 1946, the facility was completely rebuilt with better safety features. This reconstruction made it a modern defense position for the second half of the 20th century.
This fortress represents Swiss military engineering and shows the defensive technology of its era. Visitors can see how soldiers worked within the preserved chambers and passages to protect the region.
Visits are through guided tours offered from April onwards, providing access to underground passages and machinery rooms. It is wise to wear warm clothing as the temperature underground stays cool, and bring sturdy shoes for uneven surfaces.
An internal funicular system connects this fortress with Fort de Savatan, allowing soldiers to move quickly between strategic positions. This transport system was unusually innovative for coordinated defense of the region.
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